Us is only the second feature length film written and directed by Jordan Peele. Following the breakout hit Get Out, the popularity of Us is proving Peele to be a preeminent voice in horror.
Whereas Get Out was a sociopolitical tale of suspense, Us trades in those same elements (though not entirely) for a more personal and psychological type of fear. When the Wilson family takes a trip to their beach house for summer vacation, Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o) becomes uneasy, recalling a night in her childhood when she got separated from her parents on the boardwalk of that same beach. While lost, Adelaide saw something that traumatized her for life: herself. Now, Adelaide is seeing worrisome signs and premonitions everywhere, and when the power goes out one night, the Wilsons see the silhouette of a family standing outside the house. That family turns out to be evil, murderous versions of themselves.
Us is the literal interpretation of the phrase, “I am my own worst enemy.” The other Wilsons (they call themselves “the tethered”) are lumbering, grunting, mischievous little monsters in red jumpsuits, all carrying long, pointy scissors with which to “untether” themselves. It’s here where Peele shows his love for slasher flicks as the Wilsons battle against their respective counterparts in some of the most exciting and downright fun horror in years. Peele has referenced being inspired by films like Jaws, The Shining, and Rosemary’s Baby—all classic touchstones—and Us pulls off those classic vibes, but Peele also injects his quick-witted comedic timing to relieve some of the tension. There is an especially hilarious boat. I’ll say no more.
If there is one thing keeping Us from that perfect score though, it’s the logistics of some of the reveals in the final act. The online fan theories are a blast to read, but I’m still not sure if it all makes sense. That uncertainty, however, makes me want to watch Us again rather than dismiss it, and it makes me even more excited for the Jordan Peele-hosted reboot of The Twilight Zone, as Us is basically like a longer horror-filled episode of that show. Aside from that, there are almost too many good things to say about Us, from all the great performances (Lupita Nyong’o and Evan Alex, who plays her comfort-mask-wearing son Jason, especially), to the masterful and thematic use of mirror shots, to the haunting children’s choir score, to the tightly woven-through lines of visual elements and deeper themes that I’m still trying to work out, to that boat. But the best thing I can say about Us is this: it’s damn fun.
